The Credit Corner

By WlttlAM E. LOCKE

Williom E. locke hos toughl hundreds of independenlly owned firms, including mony building supply concerns. how to merchondise ond "sell" credil, A "pockoge plon thot works," Bill's progrom offers the independent businessmon lhe some odvonloges usuolly confined lo choin orgonizotions where such credil supervision is o porl of monogement. For furlher detoils, write direcl to Williqm E. locke. 3401 Bolboo Slreet, Son Froncisco 21, Colifornio.

Strangely, some merchallsh41dra/a1g stores and building supply dealers among themfail to keep pace with modern merchandise displays, presentation of goods for sale, advertising and promotion media, and credit selling methods.

It's depressing to enter some of these outIets and find inventory so completely disarranged even sales personnel have to delay customers asking for certain items while "looking for it." Poor housekeeping is obvious, and eye appeal and presentation is lost to apathy. It is my opinion, that while valid in their conception, some of these stores have deteriorated to the point it takes effort to know their purpose in being in business.

One merchant, genial Ken Dempsey, managing Burchell Hardware Company in Marysville, California, shed the blight of the phenomenon known as "poor house syndrome" when he built a new store last year. His new store, in its new location, is accepted by many in the trade as the most beautiful gift and hardware store in Northern California.

Ken, wise in the ways of the modern merchant, accepted my plan of ooSystematic Credit Management," and credit sales have more than doubled. I helped select his efficient credit manager, Mary Lee; delinquency is at a new low, and optimism is running high for a very profitable 1963.

Jopon Plywood Monufoclurers Assn. Adds Seqldnd Mill Stomp to Shipments

Efiective September I, all hardwood plywood manufactured by members of the Japan Plywood Manufacturers' Association will carry the JPMA seal on both the crates and on the individual panels. The JPMA seal on the shipping crate will also carry a "mill number" which will designate the particular mill of origin.